So it has been over a month since I have blogged. During the reno process my ancient computer got unhooked so I was unable to get my thoughts onto the blog.I got up first this morning so the laptop is all mine to share with you my Christmas this year!
This month we have been enjoying the new and improved Kourtney. Kourtney's hemoglobin continues to rise with the assistance of the EPO. The last set of blood work along with a iron infusion took 4 iv pokes. Kourtney was done and took the vow that she wasn't coming in anymore for iron until the results of her blood work came back. As much as I tried to encourage her that she was feeling better and this was helping her, she wasn't so convinced. It was not until the jubilant nurse walked into our room and announced that her hemoglobin was 112 - Kourtney was convinced. It made the 4 IV attempts worth it!! - well sort of.
In October, during our weekly trip to Costco, Kourtney and I saw Christmas lights. The anxiety in me grew as I knew I had to "face" another Christmas season. Kourtney knew what I was thinking and said, "We have to make this Christmas the best one yet mom. " After these words of wisdom from my 12 year old I decided that my approach to Christmas was going to be similar to the way Kourtney felt about her hemoglobin. I did not want just to feel Christmas; I wanted to know Christmas this year. I have heard so often from my own mouth, " It doesn't feel like Christmas," although the house is decorated, gifts are wrapped, and the 10 pounds are gained.
I started by keeping the Christmas decorations to a minimum, basically our Christmas tree and a nativity set. I was probably the last person in the lower mainland to have my tree up, except for Mona - I think she was waiting for me to cave first. This was by no means part of my intention. We were still renovating our house and there was no place to put the tree until the carpet was laid. Otherwise I would have put it up sooner as I do love having a tree in my house. As much as I would love to try a No Christmas present year- the gifts we bought for the girls were practical, wrapped with recycled paper and held together with duct tape.
Knowing Christmas also involved helping a friend through a crisis and being there every step of the way for her. Knowing Christmas also involved really understanding the first Christmas and the lowly circumstances that were involved, with the birth of Jesus - God sending his only son. The Gospel was clearly outlined at church - Thank you Pastor Jeff. Knowing Christmas helped me forgive the wrongs and helped me move on through my circumstances. Knowing Christmas encouraged my colleague struggling with confidence in her career. Knowing Christmas allowed me to be a better mom, wife and friend. Knowing Christmas allowed me not to apologize for my "unfinished home" but made me proud of my husband for the work he has done and all the work he still has to do.
3 days after Christmas . . . I feel I just celebrated the best Christmas ever. To all of our readers and supporters thank-you for your valuable contribution to helping us celebrate the best Kujawa Christmas ever.If the Christmas feeling bogs you down every year, get to know "Christmas" and when you do you will know the Christmas I finally got to know.
